Getting Better Grades1. Attend all your classesReasons

Getting Better Grades
   As a college professor, I am often asked for my advice on how students can get better grades. And after a couple of years of refining my ideas, I have developed some tips that will work for you—whether you are a first-year student or a senior. These tips are universal.
   First, attend all your classes.
   Many students skip classes for one reason or another. But if you want good grades, there are several reasons why you should attend all your classes:
   Absorb classroom material. Even if the professor follows the textbook pretty closely, sitting in the classroom and listening to the lectures will help you absorb the materials.
   Make presence known. One of the benefits of going to college should be that you form a mentoring relationship with some of your professors. And often faculty have participation points, so beyond just attending, make an effort to be involved in the class discussions.
   Earn attendance points. Many professors have attendance policies, so you can have a direct impact on your grade simply by attending.
   Record the class notes. These notes are vital clues to what the professor thinks is the most important material for you to learn, so besides taking notes, learn how to better use them to your advantage.
   Second, use time wisely
   Even if you do not procrastinate and are the most organized person in the world, time can be one of your biggest enemies in college. Here are some tips for using time wisely:
   Tackle harder work first. Yes, tackle the harder stuff first so that you are sure to have enough time to complete it. You’ll feel a greater sense of accomplishment completing the work in this order.
   Take breaks as reward for work. Reward yourself for completing a major task by taking a break and chatting with a friend or watching some television. Not only are the breaks good motivation to help you complete something, you’ll also be more refreshed.
   Do not overextend yourself: learn to say no. Besides all your academic work, you will also be asked to get involved in all sorts of clubs and organizations while in college — and at some point, you will have to learn to say no to some requests of your time.
   Third, be a good test-taker.
   Just about all college classes have exams, and sometimes the exams are the major portion of your final grade, so it’s important to become a good test-taker. Here are some hints:
   Know what to expect on exams. Every professor has a style of test development, so obtain old copies or ask the professor directly. Know the types of questions that will be asked — as well as the content that will be covered.
   Read questions carefully and plan answers. Take your time at the beginning of the test to read through all the instructions and make a plan of attack.
   Ask questions. If you don’t understand something, or need clarification of the question, ask the professor. Don’t wait to get the exam back and find you answered a question the wrong way.
   Final thoughts on improving your grades
   Following these guidelines should help your grades immensely, but here is one other tip. Remember to think of your professors as your allies, not your enemies. And if you’re struggling with some aspect of the course, just go see the professor. We’re here to help you become the best you can be.